Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee Medal, 1977 awarded to North East Coal Miner

Silver medal in mint condition in original box of issue, unnamed as issued but accompanied by its original bestowal certificate to Mr Michael Robson. Some minor wear to box but medal NEF condition and mounted for wear. This is also accompanied by an original letter from the North East Area National Coal Board to Mr M Robson, congratulating him on his award acknowledging his long mining industry service. Included with the medal is an original paper clipping from the "Shields Gazette" which stated that there were only 21 medals awarded in the Northumberland and Durham coalfield areas with 25 years service who were awarded the silver jubilee medal, and it confirmed that Mr Michael Robson, a stoneman at Bolden Colliery was to be one of these recipients.

The Royal Marine connection is a bit more tenuous, but the group was accompanied by a small yellow Royal Marines pocket booklet of 24 pages and dated Deal 1942 on the front cover. It seems to be aimed at Royal Marine Engineers. Michael Robson's name and address is included in the back over. A pencil entry in the front cover suggests M Robson was a "company commander." I cannot make any sense of this as the owner of the book is identified as 19650 J F Palmer. Worthy of follow up, but not my particular area of expertise.

Coincidently there was a top secret Home Guard 202 Bn GHQ Reserve Auxiliary Units Group No. 4 based out of Boldon Colliery. They had received Commando training and I wonder whether there is connection between this and Michael Robson too, or am I reading too much into this?

See the following link:

http://www.coleshillhouse.com/boldon-colliery-auxiliary-unit-patrol.php

Mine workings were believed to have been used as hideouts by the 202 auxiliary patrols in the North East, including East Boldon Colliery.

Code: 58833